Jon Jones Wishes Good Luck to All Competitors Aiming UFC GOAT Status After Alex Pereira Downfall

Jon Jones throws down the gauntlet in the UFC GOAT debate following Alex Pereira's failed bid for a third title at UFC Freedom 250.

Jon Jones Wishes Good Luck to All Competitors Aiming UFC GOAT Status After Alex Pereira Downfall

Jon Jones wishes luck to other GOAT competitors after Alex Pereira's loss [via MMA Mania and Bleacher Report]

The greatest of all time in MMA has been a discussion that has raged on for years with no clear answer. Some believe it to be Georges St-Pierre, the embodiment of a true martial artist, some others point to Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired undefeated. Amidst this, another popular GOAT candidate, Jon Jones, has thrown down the gauntlet for anyone who dares to challenge for a seat at the GOAT table.

Jones’ comments were prompted after UFC CEO Dana White had caused some controversy with his statement about Alex Pereira. Heading into last Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 event, Pereira was challenging for his third UFC belt. White opined that should the Brazilian be successful, he would become the greatest MMA fighter of all time.

This was met with heavy pushback by ‘Bones’, who somewhat trolled Pereira after his loss to Ciryl Gane by posting a video of himself wearing a necklace with a goat on it. This was essentially the former heavyweight reaffirming his status as the greatest of all time in quite an unsubtle manner. However, the fighter with the most title-fight wins in UFC history was seemingly not satisfied.

Thinking that you have the work ethic, the desire, the faith, and the focus to dethrone me as the GOAT of MMA. Good luck to you all.

Jon Jones via social media

The one who was at the center of this situation — Alex Pereira, has distanced himself from such comparisons, expressing his respect for the Rochester native’s lengthy reigns and multiple title defenses. ‘Poatan’ also denied wanting a fight with Jones despite both of them agreeing to a bout earlier. He did, however, express his disappointment at the former champion’s response to his loss on Sunday.

Nonetheless, one person who has Jon Jones as the greatest fighter in the UFC is his and Pereira’s former opponent, Ciryl Gane. ‘Bon Gamin’ revealed this in a recent interview which prompted an interesting response from ‘Bones’ about his status as a UFC fighter.

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Jon Jones clarifies his roster status after Ciryl Gane praise

Jon Jones has had an odd relationship with the UFC in recent times. First, Jones waited for 3 years to move up to heavyweight. He was then inactive for another year while recuperating from a shoulder injury before facing Stipe Miocic. However, after beating him, Jones would freeze himself out of the UFC again unwilling to fight the interim champion, Tom Aspinall.

Jon Jones
Jon Jones (via Athlon Sports)

Since then, the former double champion has revealed a desire to box and even asked for his release from the promotion. Even so, the UFC legend felt the need to clarify his status on the roster after a statement from Gane. The Frenchman was asked who he thought was the greatest fighter in the UFC right now. Without hesitation, Bon Gamin named Jones which led to the latter responding to him online.

Still on the roster, still capable of making the biggest fights on the globe. I appreciate you keeping it real.

Jon Jones via Instagram story

Despite everything that has gone down between him and the UFC brass, it appears Jon Jones still considers himself a part of the active roster. This flies in the face of the claims made by him and the UFC CEO that Jones is now retired. However, having not competed in the promotion in 2 years with no fight on the horizon, it doesn’t appear as if the former light heavyweight will flip the script anytime soon.

Nonetheless, the 38-year-old has kept himself busy with various pursuits outside the UFC. Just recently, he teased a debut in RAF after his protege Gable Steveson made his debut in the promotion. For now, though, questions about the double champion’s future continue to linger.

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